Town Has Help for Homeless

It's a scenario that is almost as familiar to UNC students as getting their ONE Cards swiped by Vel at Lenoir Dining Hall.

You're ambling down Franklin Street looking inside shop windows, contemplating that next piece of UNC apparel to buy. People pass by, but you don't take much notice of any of them.

"Can you spare some change?"

Those softly whispered words, almost unheard, cause you to stiffen your emotional side and walk forward another 5 feet into the clear.

In Chapel Hill, it is impossible to walk uptown without eying a homeless person sitting or walking around. Their presences are a testament to the growing income divide in one of the wealthiest communities in the state, if not the country.

Whether UNC students were indoctrinated by their mothers at an early age or not, the traditional response from most of them is an awkward and quiet, "No, sorry."

For such an innocent question, it certainly causes a lot of controversy. The issue of giving has many delicate issues, all competing for center stage.

Opponents of panhandling detest those who give money, saying they only feed the habit of these poor souls addicted to poverty. They would rather see social programs that train people how to support themselves.

On the other hand, listening to Arrested Development's "Mr. Wendell" gives a taste of the social justice movement that teaches us to be mindful of social issues.

Recently the issue of safety has added more fuel to the fire.

Last week, police were alerted to a homeless person who had started a fire to keep warm behind the Willow Creek Food Lion.

Also, police apprehended three homeless people this month who have been charged with breaking and entering into a Carrboro residence and taking off with thousands of dollars worth of valuables.

Despite all the negativity, there are bright stars in this quandary that would please both sides.

With the harsh cold constantly a reality, the homeless always find a helping hand at the Inter-Faith Council Community Kitchen and homeless shelter.

IFC, made up of various programs, day in and day out offers neighborly understanding and help.

While not offering the permanent solution that some prefer, there is much praise to be given to the IFC. And when a transition program just isn't available, shelter and food are still very real needs for very poor families.

"The typical person or family are those that can't make ends meet for the month," said Rosetta Wash, director of the IFC's Community House and Kitchen. "It's hard to put a face on the typical person because it can happen to anyone."

For those who prefer more permanent solutions to the issue of homelessness, Club Nova, a housing project for the mentally ill -- who make up a large percentage of the homeless -- works to transition low-income families into permanent housing.

Programs such as these work toward teaching people "how to fish," as the saying goes. They focus on taking families off the street and keeping them off for good. For some, maintaining a home is a lesson not given to them; rehabilitating them into responsible homeowners is not only a practical effort but a generous gift.

Unfortunately, federal funding is scarce for Project Homestart, which works on transitioning all low-income families into permanent housing. The program will be funded until June 30, but after that the future is uncertain. The impact this will have on the homeless community could be grave.

No matter what your stance, there are points we can all agree on.

First, being self-sufficient is something we should all strive to be at.

Second, programs that work on solving the problems the homeless face are for the benefit of all society.

Third, do remember the golden rule: To treat each person with respect and dignity is a goal above all we should strive for. I feel the weight of my mother's disapproving eye every time I rudely ignore a panhandler.

Hopefully, I'll remember that next time I hear, "Spare change please?"

Colin Sutker can be reached at cosu@email.unc.edu.